Development of Marple

Samuel Oldknow - A new perspective

We know Samuel Oldknow as one of the key figures in the early part of the Industrial Revolution - an innovator and an organiser who dominated the market for muslin before he was thirty. However, he was much more than that. A true product of the Enlightenment, there were many sides to his life and career. As a businessman, as a builder, as an agriculturist and above all, as a community leader, he changed the face of Marple and Mellor for ever. This definitive study of Oldknow's life examines every aspect of this complex man and his legacy which is still with us today.A selection of the Society’s publications may be found at Marple Bookshop and Marple Bridge Post Office, or alternately any of the Society's publications may be ordered by emailing the chairman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.